By: Emmy White/
Jacket Journey, Howard Payne University’s freshman orientation, takes place the weekend before classes begin each fall. With more than 300 new freshmen this year, Jacket Journey welcomed the largest incoming class in more than a decade.
Featuring campus tours, get-to-know-you games, dinner at the president’s house and more, Jacket Journey provides freshmen an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Howard Payne’s campus and culture.
“The purpose of Jacket Journey is to help new students feel welcomed and supported as they begin their time at Howard Payne,” said Cate Gramling, junior Christian studies and elementary education major from Rowlett, who served on the planning team for this year’s orientation.
Beyond introducing these students to campus life, Jacket Journey aims to form connections between students and build a support system among peers.
“Community is a huge emphasis of Jacket Journey … to help freshmen realize that they are not on an island, but rather surrounded by people who are willing to help them and love them,” Gramling said.
Howard Payne strives to maintain a Christ-centered campus, a goal leaders, staff and faculty work to uphold by sharing the love of Christ. Gramling and other members of the Jacket Journey leadership team worked behind the scenes throughout the summer to ensure that goal was met.
Jayci Smith, freshman elementary education major from Stephenville said, “Jacket Journey forced me to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people and ultimately get settled into a new place I now call home.”
After her experience at Jacket Journey, Smith said she would “absolutely” consider serving as a Jacket Journey leader next year.
“I was presented with a lot of information that helped me shape my next few years here at HPU,” said Smith.
Jacket Journey leader, Ben Mabry, junior Christian education major from Gatesville, also saw the program’s impact.
“I saw Jacket Journey impact the freshmen in my group in such a powerful way,” said Mabry. “In just a couple days, you could see moods and attitudes change from nervous, scared, and worried to joyful, excited, and enthusiastic.”
Jacket Journey is an experience that is intended to make new students feel welcome and supported. Building community is a priority at HPU, with a mission to reflect God’s love and this mission was shown throughout the weekend.
“Going to a school like Howard Payne, you not only get the chance to make these new relationships with the people around you, but you get the amazing opportunity to start a relationship with Jesus Christ and if you already have one, grow in it so much and help it to flourish,” said Mabry.
Senior staff writer, Emmy White